METS Special Issue

Once more, the new product frenzy swept through Amsterdam. Augmented reality glasses, new communication protocols, connected safety bracelets—you’ll find them all in the new NauticExpo e-Magazine. This issue covers METS, perhaps the most influential trade show in the industry.

Not only will you find information about the latest cutting-edge products, you’ll also learn more about the biggest trends in the boating industry, such as hybrid propulsion for superyachts and next-generation safety equipment.

Hybrid superyachts are no longer novelties, yet they are still scarce enough that their technological features are highly specialized and unique.
According to the First Export Association of Dutch Shipbuilders (Feadship), Savannah is the first hybrid superyacht, and the first to feature an eco-friendly blend of single...

Hybrid superyachts are no longer novelties, yet they are still scarce enough that their technological features are highly specialized and unique.

According to the First Export Association of Dutch Shipbuilders (Feadship), Savannah is the first hybrid superyacht, and the first to feature an eco-friendly blend of single diesel engine, three gensets, batteries, propeller, azimuthing thruster, and a streamlined hull shape.

Awards and Competition

The 83.5 m yacht has been garlanded with a host of awards since her launch in 2015.

But there are arguably two other contenders for first hybrid/diesel-electric superyacht, Lürssen Werft’s 2005-built Air (now renamed Ice) and Royal Huisman’s Ethereal, built between 2005 and the second half of 2008.

Her main engine is a Wärtsilä 9L20 4-stroke, producing 1,800 kW at 1,000 rpm, with the generators from Caterpillar, one C32 and two C18s. The combination gives her a maximum speed of 17 knots and a range of 6,500 nm from her 170,000 fuel tanks.

The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Propulsion

Hybrid/diesel-electric propulsion has been refined over the years, but why has it taken so long for superyacht builders and owners to catch on?

NauticExpo e-Magazine asked Lürssen Werft about this as well as the pros and cons.

“Sustainability is the new buzzword—every company wants to be seen as sustainable,” a spokeswoman said. “Yachts also need to be sustainable, and research into sustainable, environment-friendly propulsion systems is in full swing.

“We first installed a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system on a yacht back in 1997. Then in 2005 came Air, the first diesel-electric yacht with two Azipod propulsion units.

Courtesy of Feadship

“Air was fitted with eight Deutz TBD 616 v16, 842 kW diesel generators, mounted in pairs on elastically mounted rafts in four separate rooms, which could supply the required power for both the hotel load as well as for propulsion. The power generated was fed through the power management system to two electric motors housed in two Azipods from [manufacturer] ABB, which hung under the stern.

Reducing Emissions and Noise

“Diesel-electric propulsion is the most widely used technology in our large yachts, those upwards of 90 m,” she continued. “The generator engines run at optimal capacity, which greatly reduces both emissions and structural-borne noise by avoiding a conventional gearbox arrangement.

“Azipod units also improve a yacht’s maneuverability as the turning capability is much higher than with a conventional propeller and rudder system.

The turning capability is much higher than with a conventional propeller and rudder system.

“But,” she explained, “the clear disadvantage of diesel-electric propulsion is that it takes up more space in the engine room—for example, for the converters—and is therefore more suitable for larger yachts.”

As to the future, Lürssen believes that over the next eight to 10 years, batteries will become more compact and efficient. That means the large amount of space needed today will be cut back, making hybrid/diesel-electric propulsion suitable for smaller yachts.

Stored Electrical Power

In terms of batteries, Royal Huisman took advantage of lithium polymer technology when building Ethereal, which the shipyard claimed was “the world’s first hybrid superyacht.”

Courtesy of Royal Huisman

A 58m world-cruising ketch, Ethereal has a hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion system that can recharge her lithium polymer battery bank through the drive train under sail, rather than relying on generators. “She is able to raise anchor, motor, hoist sails and run ships’ systems from quiet, stored electrical power,” Huisman states.

The system consists of two drive trains, each comprising a Caterpillar C18 diesel engine producing 533 kW at 2,100 rpm, together with a 300 kW Combimac electric motor/generator running through a ZF MM 2700 NR reduction box. The drive trains turn twin Wärtsilä 1,500 mm-diameter four-blade controllable pitch propellers, and she has a hull speed of 17 knots.

The 188

Finally, rising to the challenge and perhaps taking the crown as the most advanced superyacht yet, is the ‘188,’ which is currently under construction by Damen Group superyacht specialist AMELS and scheduled for delivery in early 2018. She boasts hybrid power from three sources—mechanical (auxiliary generators), electrical (battery bank) and engine heat recovery (residual energy).

AMELS promise it will save owners €100,000 annually for yachts sailing about 8,000 nautical miles a year.

“When we started looking at the power systems on board the 57.7 m AMELS 188, we realized we could deliver far greater benefits by finding smart ways to reuse energy already on board,” AMELS design manager Hans Konings told NauticExpo e-Magazine.

Courtesy of Amels

“I speak to owner representatives, crews and designers all over the world,” Konings continued, “and any mention of hybrid power is often when people’s alarm bells start ringing. Experienced yacht owners are wary of expensive, rarely used ‘gimmicks’ that occupy valuable luxury space on board. Chief engineers and captains are concerned about operating and maintaining a whole raft of complex equipment. Plus, the environmental benefits are often questionable at best.

“But we’ve successfully factory tested our new, holistic approach to hybrid power. It will not only stop the alarm bells ringing, but also deliver tangible, high value benefits that you won’t find anywhere else.

Tried-and-Tested Solutions

“We realize that nobody wants to be a guinea pig for technology that is rapidly outdated,” Konings added. “We are building the AMELS 188 with tried-and-tested solutions from advances made in commercial shipbuilding and the automotive industry. Our solution includes the AMELS waste heat recovery system, plus two generators with a father-son configuration for optimal engine output, plus a compact battery bank for peak shaving and managed load shedding.

Hybrid power will make your chief engineer smile.

“And hybrid power will make your chief engineer smile,” Konings grinned. “For the AMELS 188, we’ve developed smart power management that automatically adjusts the balance of engines and battery power for optimal efficiency and lowest fuel consumption. So your chief engineer doesn’t need to worry about power management system alarms going off when the stewardess switches on the clothes dryers.

“The crew has more time to focus on what really counts—the best luxury yachting experience,” Konings concluded.

Safety equipment is often mandatory by law according to boat size, type and flag. In 1948 the United Nations created the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a permanent body that deals with maritime safety; signatory countries adopt laws according to rules and regulations drawn up by the IMO.

Leisure boats need a limited number of safety items, while a large yacht is subject to strict regulations for mandatory safety equipments. Those costs can be orders of magnitude higher. “A large yacht needs a Fire & Safety Plan where all devices are clearly indicated, deck by deck. All items undergo expensive periodical survey according to the yacht’s classification,” says P.S. Captain of a 50-meter motor yacht.

“Within the sphere of e-navigation, sophisticated integrated bridge configurations have been developed,” says Captain P.S. “Integrated navigation systems allow to keep under control all technical equipment very easily, so I’d include them in the safety equipment list, too. It’s hard to keep up with technological progress, this is why I usually attend training courses and trade shows.”

Integrated Bridge Systems combine systems and functions, offering a centralized access and monitoring of various navigational tools. They make it possible to monitor operations, communication, machinery, safety and security; they generally include autopilot, radar, gyro, steering gear, electronic chart displays and information system.

A New Generation of Lifejackets

By adopting ultra-light, super-resistant materials, a new generation of lifejackets and life rafts is now available, while state-of-the-art electronic devices allow for affordable communication/safety items.

“Finding your way through thousands of similar products needs a careful approach,” says Leonardo Zuccaro, professional skipper and general manager of Marina Dorica, one of the largest marinas on the Italian Adriatic coast, with over 1,200 berths. “Our advice is to focus only on internationally reputed companies with a strong technical background. Maybe you will spend more but what you get are long-lasting products and after-sale assistance.”

Maybe you will spend more but what you get are long-lasting products and after-sale assistance.

Small, Thin and Flexible

Courtesy of Spinlock

Starting with familiar items like lifejackets, the latest innovations involve materials, weight and dimensions. “The most advanced lifevests are small, thin and flexible. Some are built right into technical clothing. A great choice are inflatable life vests that are light and compact as a scarf until they hit water.” Zuccaro says.

Automatic inflation works by the controlled release of carbon dioxide. Lifejackets with a water-sensitive activation system use either a compressed paper capsule that dissolves when wet and then releases a spring to puncture the CO2 cylinder, or are activated by water pressure. Many automatic inflating harnesses are equipped with flashing lights, PLB or EPIRB.

Personal AIS Devices

“A man overboard is the worst fear for a skipper, but today, personal beacons and MOB individual alarms are available,” says G.P. skipper aboard a 39.95-meter J-Class replica. “During offshore navigation and sail races, particularly at night, crew members should constantly carry a personal AIS device, and a ‘LifeTag wireless Man Overboard’ system that launches a sound alarm instantly if somebody falls overboard.

With a view to increasing safety and convenience, during sailing races we frequently wear sleeveless jackets capable of providing the same buoyancy as a 50N lifejacket. Buoyancy is obtained by using closed-cell polyethylene strips, which are filled with air and microbeads.”

Highly Reliable Liferafts

“Brands like Spinlock, Onyx, Plastimo, Tribord, Lalizas, Baltic Safety Products, SeaCurity and Ocean Safety master state-of-the-art production of life vests and some of them produce also highly reliable life rafts. R&D departments are constantly working on developing new products,” reports one of the technical manager.

“Offshore life rafts have indeed undergone some impressive improvements in these last few years. From lighter fabric for the buoyancy tubes through the use of new cylinders for the inflation of the rafts, it is possible to reach major weight savings.” Dimensions of valises and canisters have also been reduced allowing easier storing and handling.

I can’t help but underline how much electronics changed my life as a sailor.

“Thinking on safety on board I can’t help but underline how much electronics changed my life as a sailor,” says G.K., who took part in several Volvo Ocean Races. “Alongside renowned brands such as Furuno, Mc Murdo, Simrad, Kannad, Ocean Signal always at the forefront of innovation – I’m not linked to any of them – there are small yet reliable companies that develop systems ruggedized for safety applications based on ‘commercial off-the-shelf’ products. By doing so, they can offer equipment that are competitive and affordable on any budget.”

Monitoring a boat has been significantly expanding with owners now able to monitor vessels from their phone or iPad thanks to apps.
Choosing a technical solution is not always easy, but the development of ‘smart boating solutions’ is making that process and the task of monitoring boats a little less complicated.
One...

Monitoring a boat has been significantly expanding with owners now able to monitor vessels from their phone or iPad thanks to apps.

Choosing a technical solution is not always easy, but the development of ‘smart boating solutions’ is making that process and the task of monitoring boats a little less complicated.

One such company, Digital Yacht, has stepped up along with Signal K to produce a platform called iKommunicate, that will allow web and app developers to do more for the boating industry.

Signal K: The Next Big Thing

Courtesy of Digital Yacht

The open data platform Signal K is heralded by some as the next step in marine data exchange for the industry. Signal K will not just be able to support communications between instruments and sensors onboard, but will also allow data sharing between multiple boats, aids to navigation, ports, and marina’s docking, thanks to its open data format.

To achieve that, iKommunicate is creating an “intelligent” gateway, able to turn standard NMEA data into HTML5-based Internet data, thanks to the Signal K project.

NMEA Challenges

iKommunicate uses NMEA 0183 data standards and the more recent NMEA 2000 standards in its product development. However, the company highlights that there are both legal and technical challenges for interfacing with these standards. In today’s connected world, these older, closed data standards struggle to adequately support smart devices and smart data.

David Sumpner, CTO of Digital Yacht, the company behind iKommunicate, highlights the challenges of modern app developers working the NMEA standards as: “The NMEA is a trade association that looks after the dealers and manufacturers and the owners. The costs involved in getting a product NMEA registered is very high and you have to become a member.”

Sumpner adds about the future of the open platform: “There will be an explosion of apps and solutions on the market and the Signal K solution will allow technology to open up.”

i-Captain Designer

Adding to the app technology development, Holonix, part of the Milan Polytechnic University, brought its own solution to the market in the form of i-Captain for small boats and yachts, along with the i-Captain Management System for larger boats and i-Captain Designer that will be launched this year.

Designer has been developed to maximize the use of gathered data. i-Captain Designer can obtain anonymized data in relation to boat usage values, which then can be inputted for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, which is done in partnership with Cineca, an Italian super-computing center.

OTHER STORIES

The new Garmin Nautix handset is a brilliant piece of technology that supports watch-keeping on board a vessel. This useful in-view display is a near-eye augmented-reality device, similar to avionics head-mounted display used by fighter pilots.

Skippers and fishermen can see in their glasses online critical boat data and stay focused when they navigate. A similar Garmin system, known as Varia Vision, is applied for cyclists.

“The world of cycling was our first target, with safety a key design objective,” explained Ann Claeys, key account manager at Garmin Benelux, to NauticExpo e-Magazine. “The digital data being read on your sunglasses, you do not have to lose sight, quite the contrary of reading from a traditional GPS.”

The Garmin Nautix (Courtesy of Garmin)

The Nautix is waterproof design and NMEA 2000 data compatible. It displays data like speed, heading, depth, temperature, wind direction and engine RPM. For navigational purposes, it can provide distance and bearing to a waypoint.

Wireless Technology

The Nautix is suitable for polarized or prescription lenses and an ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness. Its swipe touch panel makes it possible to scroll through on-screen instructions or customizable data screens. Wet conditions are no problem, as it can be used while wearing gloves.

“ It’s an ultra-lightweight device that can be easily mounted on either side of most of sunglasses and eyeglass frames,” according to Claeys. “With a Nautix, it’s possible to keep track of what is happening on and around a boat. Sailors can even view hands-free advanced race data, including the countdown, burn time and starting line data.”

The Nautix wireless technology is based on the ANT+ technology designed by Dynastream Innovations, a Garmin subsidiary. ANT+ is an open-access data technology also used on smartphones, bike computers and heart rate monitors.

Pairing a Connection

Pairing a connection should be easy: Bring the Nautix within range of a compatible device and it automatically looks for the device. The device is a powered by a lithium ion battery that you can charge with a standard USB port. It works only with Garmin products like GNX Wind instruments, GPSMAP 7400 series chartplotters and GPSMAP 8400 multifunction displays.

Small and convenient to use, PureWater+ simplifies the sometimes cumbersome water refill process. What makes Forespar’s innovation specific is that the filter replacement can be done without any under-counter access.

The PureWater+ relies on a compact under-counter system and a patented faucet. With only a quarter turn of the device, the carbon filter can be extracted and changed. According to the company, less than 20 seconds are required to install a new filter.

A PureWater+ kit costs US $189.95. A 5-micron filter costs US $33.95 and is designed to provide up to 350 gallons of drinking water.

FLIR’s Ocean Scout thermal camera could ease the challenge of spotting things when out at sea either at night or day.
This camera relies on thermal imaging as...

FLIR’s Ocean Scout thermal camera could ease the challenge of spotting things when out at sea either at night or day.

This camera relies on thermal imaging as it picks up the heat that objects emit. Pocket sized, it displays data on a high-resolution LCD display. An InstAlert mode can be used in case of “man overboard,” highlighting the hottest objects in the water.

Various resolutions are available, from 240*180 for the OceanScout 240 to 640*512 for the OceanScout 640. Video refresh rate is 30 Hz, with a start up time of less than 1.5 seconds.

OceanScout’s prices range from US $1.999 for the OceanScout 240 to US $3.500 for its OceanScout 640.

Jon Brizuela, a sales manager for Dokensip gave some highlights about the systems’ recent usage: “We have so far saved a couple of boats. Three weeks ago, a user in Bilbao was alerted through Dokensip about the sinking of his boat. He acted quickly and finally saved his boat from sinking.”

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While a chart plotter can show where everything around is supposed to be, nothing beats a radar for navigational safety. The basic principle of radar operation is based on the fact that radio waves are reflected by objects. Because propagated electromagnetic waves are traveling through air at a constant speed, it is possible to determine the distance between an object and the radar.

Electromagnetic waves were first described in 1865. However, the knowledge and technology of radar as we know it today is created through an accumulation of many developments and improvements. This continued evolution leads to extra features, more accuracy and lighter weight solutions.

Raymarine Integrates CHIRP technology

The Quantum Raymarine-FLIR radar is a next-generation radar with CHIRP technology. CHIRP is perhaps the most significant radar advance in recent years. By applying mathematical techniques to conventional pulsed radar, range and resolution can be increased while using less peak input power.

Courtesy of Raymarine

Raymarine took advantage of this technique. It results in outstanding close-range detection and improved details at minimum distance of 5.4 meters. The Quantum radar simplifies installation through integrated WiFi and thin cables. Its lightweight design weighs approximately 50% less than equivalent radar and the low power consumption (17 W transmitting and 7 W standby) guarantees extended battery use and a safe level of radiated emissions.

Furuno introduces a Target Analyzer

The new Furuno DRS4D-NXT solid-state pulse compression Doppler radar packs the performance of an open array radar in a compact 24” radome. This concept gives no advantage in terms of low power consumption, but it excels with striking features. It is the first radar in the world using the new Furuno Target Analyzer function. Approaching targets automatically change color to help you identify them. Green color targets are stationary or are moving away. Red targets are hazardous or moving toward you.

Also a new RezBoost technology is incorporated into the DRS4D-NXT. RezBoost creates beam sharpening, equivalent to 2 degree beam width open array. Like the larger DRS6A model, the DRS4D also has bird mode, which helps you identify birds gathering around schools of fish at the sea surface. And the innovation doesn’t stop here: With the new DRS4W Furuno launched world’s first wireless radar that you can access directly from your iOS devices.

It is now possible to precisely locate a man over board thanks to a smart bracelet paired with smartphones. Called Sea Tags, this solution benefits from beacon technology: A Bluetooth tag inside the bracelet continuously sends a signal to one or multiple smartphones with the Sea Tags app installed.

If the person goes too far away from their smartphone or is immersed, the signal is interrupted, which triggers an alert and records the GPS position. Text messages can then be sent automatically to pre-recorded mobile phones (a single phone can be paired with multiple tags).

In the meantime, the Sea Tags app displays the man overboard position, the boat’s real-time position and the path to follow to pick up the person.

Business data accessible everywhere, from any connected device, cloud computing is one of the major innovations throughout all industries. Marina management...

Business data accessible everywhere, from any connected device, cloud computing is one of the major innovations throughout all industries. Marina management software MarinaCloud belongs to this trend.

Courtesy of Marina Cloud

With this solution, marina managers can access their data through any smartphone or tablet. They will be able to manage berths using interactive maps and video surveillance. Boat care is another feature of this solution: dock walk surveys done by marina staff are recorded in the application. These information, including pictures, are then made accessible to boat owners.

MarinaCloud also provides contract management. Marina managers can receive alerts through the app, when a contract is getting close to its expiration day, or when usage rate drops under a certain level.

All these data are then both displayed and recorded automatically on a smartphone, paired with the Skywatch BL500 via Bluetooth Environmental Sensing Profile (the company claims its device is the first to use this new protocol) .

They can also be shared on social networks, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. A Skywatch BL500 costs 222.75 CHF (app. €206).

The Port of Vancouver is paying closer attention to the wildlife in its local waters. Its EcoAction program potentially saves ship owners up to 47% on charges if vessels meet certain classification criteria.

Orla Robinson, program manager for Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) program, says that one of the key disturbances for whales is the amount of noise that is produced under the water. The noise disrupts the whales’ echo sounding, used to locate food and others whales, which prevents them from feeding.

Innovative Technologies

Helping to clean up the waters around the Vancouver port area, innovative technologies such as hull cleaning and changing speeds and propeller adaptations like Mewis Ducts are being looked at.

Class societies are also assisting with this initiative. BV, DNV.GL and RINA have their own form of quiet notation, where vessels have to meet with certain criteria for noise and vibration emitted by a vessel.

Under the EcoAction program there are also benefits for ship owners who take precautions when navigating the Vancouver waters. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority EcoAction program currently offers discounted harbor due rates to vessels that have implemented practices to protect the environment.

Quietening Ship Classifications

“Beginning on January 1, 2017, EcoAction criteria will be extended to include vessel-quietening ship classifications and technologies that reduce underwater noise affecting at risk marine life,” highlighted Daniele Jang, media relations and government affairs for the Port of Vancouver.

The port is offering two levels of discount to ship owners who meet with the criteria that is laid out: Gold will have the highest discount at 47% savings on port dues, and bronze will have a discount rate of 23%.

Further technology is also being undertaken in the area of hull cleaning. A joint research project that is currently being carried out by All-Sea looks at the effectiveness of its so-called whale shark hull cleaning solution.

Vessel Fuel Consumption

Jang concludes that “the IMO guidelines released in 2014 identify a number of other maintenance activities, technologies and design features that should lead to a reduction of vessel noise outputs. In some cases, those identified noise reduction technologies are also thought to result in a reduction of vessel fuel consumption.

Technologies that can provide scientific evidence to demonstrate a reduction in both vessel noise output and vessel fuel consumption will offer a win-win solution for vessel owners/operators, in terms of both economic and environmental responsibilities.”